CHARLIE COOK - TS5C Young Sports Person of the Year Award 2019

16 year old athlete from Street, Charlie Cook, was crowned the TS5C Young Sports Person of the Year 2019 at the recent Somerset Activity & Sports Awards.

The awards, organised by Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership (SASP) highlight the achievements and successes of inspirational volunteers, outstanding coaches, talented athletes and high quality and friendly clubs from across the county.

In a glittering reception, held at The Cooper Associates Cricket Ground, Taunton, 150 people watched as Charlie was presented with the trophy by Ben McGrail, ITV's West Country Correspondent, who was the host for the evening.

The TS5C Young Sports Person of the Year Award is given to one of the Somerset sports charity's athletes who have stood out in the last 12 months. Despite stiff competition, Charlie was a worthy winner, showing extreme resilience in a challenging year which included injury setbacks and the pressure of GCSEs. Despite it all, he represented the county in the National School's Cross Country Championships, the British Elite Super Series and the UK School Games. He has now secured a Triathlon scholarship at Millfield School.

Alan Gloak, chairman of TS5C, said: "Charlie's season was plagued with unfortunate injuries, but he demonstrated the rare streak of determination that is crucial for every successful athlete. It is just as important to celebrate endeavour through adversity."

Both Joe Nelson, from Street, and Bertie Kelly, from Bridgwater, received TS5C awards for Outstanding Achievement. It has been an exciting year for 17 year old handball player, Joe, who played international tournaments this summer as part of the GB U18 team and gained his first two GB caps. He has now been selected to join GB U20 for training at Loughborough.

Meanwhile 14 year old table tennis player, Bertie, joined the Somerset Sabres and competes in the Senior British League as well as U15s competitions. He enjoyed a great deal of success in events such as the National Championships, the National Cup, The Prague Grand Prix, plus numerous domestic junior and senior events – adding to his collection of almost 200 medals and trophies.

TS5C grants funds to young aspiring athletes in the county, helping towards the travelling, kit and training costs. "TS5C is funded entirely by voluntary contributions," explain Alan. "We are a small charity and finding funds is not easy. But I am proud to say that we have made a significant contribution towards these expenses for almost 150 young athletes in the county since we began in 2007."

If anyone is interested in finding out more, please visit www.ts5c.org